I just returned from the AANP conference in Palm Springs, California. It is the annual conference for the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (http://www.naturopathic.org/). Naturopathic Doctors, Students, and supporters from all over the country come together to share the latest in research, product development, treatment methodologies, and general passion and love for Naturopathic medicine. It is an outstanding time.
I would like to thank all of the excellent speakers that put in vast amounts of time preparing for the various talks that help keep those in the naturopathic profession up to date. Research and continuing education is crucial so that we as physicians can provide the best possible care for our patients.
I also want to thank my colleagues and all of the Naturopathic students that attend the conference each year. It is inspiring to be surrounded by so many like minded individuals with a passion for the body's own innate ability to heal. To be surrounded by a cohort with such energy is rejuvenating for the spirit. My words can never fully convey the depth or breadth of my love for those with the hearts and courage to pursue this healing profession.
I want to send a heart felt congratulations to Dr. Paul Mittman, ND, DHANP, president of the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (http://www.scnm.edu/) for his award of Naturopathic Doctor of the Year. It is truly an honor and only slightly begins to recognize all of the hard work he has contributed to the profession as both a healer and diplomat in support of licensure and standards of education. I was blessed to spend time with Dr. Mittman on shifts at the SCNM teaching clinic.
I feel lucky every day to work with amazing patients. And it is so important to remember how fortunate I am to be part of this much larger healing community. The AANP conference is the perfect reminder.
See you next year in Phoenix!
2 comments:
courage to pursue this healing profession
Greetings Dr. Swanz, I'm planning to enroll at NCNM next year, and I'm wondering what you mean by courage in this instance. Courage to follow yor passions? Courage to choose naturopathy in the face of the current medical establishment?
I've noticed that there are very few naturopaths participating online, and I also wonder why that is. Are they just too busy? I enjoy your blog and appreciate the fact that you write well and don't feel the need to do a lot of SCREAMING and overusing exclamation points that I sometimes see others use. Cheers!
Hi Jeremy,
Thanks for checking my blog out. It's a new endeavor and I wish I could spend more time expanding my thoughts through the medium. Hopefully with time.
You are right on describing my intention for the use of "courage" to refer to those that pursue this profession when the conventional medical paradigm is still unable to acknowledge or even recognize how effective our medicine can be. As a whole, we do not get the professional, financial, or social support we deserve. Yet, returning from the AANP it so obvious that it doesn't matter. Those reasons are not why we walk this path.
As for the online stuff, I don't know. Time is probably a big factor. It is difficult being: doctor, office manager, marketing director, researcher, etc., and web designer/blog author. But, all the small business blogs I read tell me I need to do it if I want to make it in this developing global market. So I do my best.
I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate your thoughts. Good luck at National. I hope to see you at the AANP soon. Look me up when you are starting clinics if you want to come for an off-site rotation.
Dr. Swanz
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